ASML ASML Holding NV

The major U.S. index futures are currently pointing to a modestly higher open on Thursday, with stocks likely to move back to the upside after ending yesterday’s volatile session mostly lower.

The upward momentum on Wall Street comes on the heels of four-day losing streaks for the Nasdaq and S&P 500, which have fallen to their lowest levels in almost two months.

Traders may once again look to pick up stocks at relatively reduced levels following the recent weakness, although recent bargain hunting efforts have been thwarted by ongoing concerns the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting interest rates until later in the year.

Stocks fluctuated over the course of the trading session on Wednesday before eventually ending the day mostly lower. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 extended their losing streaks to four days, falling to their lowest closing levels in nearly two months.

The major averages all finished the day red, although the Dow posted a relatively modest loss, edging down 45.66 points or 0.1 percent to 37,753.31. The S&P 500 slid 29.20 points or 0.6 percent to 5,022.21 and the Nasdaq tumbled 181.88 points or 1.2 percent to 15,683.37.

Weakness among technology stocks weighed on the markets, as reflected by the notable slump by the tech-heavy Nasdaq.

Shares of Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) came under pressure as the day progressed, with the AI darling plunging by 3.9 percent to its lowest closing level in well a month.

The drop by Nvidia came as semiconductor stocks broadly came under pressure following disappointing first quarter sales by Dutch chip equipment maker ASML (NASDAQ:ASML).

Reflecting the weakness in the sector, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dove by 3.3 percent to a nearly two-month closing low.

The lower close on Wall Street also came amid ongoing concerns about the outlook for interest rates following Tuesday’s remarks by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

During a moderated discussion with Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, Powell suggested rates are likely to remain higher for longer amid a “lack of progress” toward reaching the central bank’s inflation goal.

The Fed chief’s remarks came as recent data showing sticky inflation along with continued economic strength have led to reduced expectations of a rate cut in June.

According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the chances of a 25 basis point rate cut in June have tumbled to 16.4 percent compared to 55.2 percent just a week ago.

Airline stocks bucked the downtrend, however, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index soaring by 3.8 percent after ending Tuesday’s session at a two-month closing low.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) led the sector higher, skyrocketing by 17.5 percent reporting a much narrower than expected first quarter loss.

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